Production is golden ticket to Artrageous! Festival

The invitation to enter “a world of pure imagination” stands as Hillsdale High School prepares for its magical production of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” this weekend.

The theatrical version is part of the school’s Artrageous! Fine Arts Festival March 22-24 at Davis Middle School. The production begins at 7:30 p.m. March 22 and 23 in the middle school auditorium at 30 N. West St., Hillsdale.

Rehearsals began in late January, and the cast has more than 30 performers. There are also many behind-the-scene people who are part of the stage crew, costuming, sound, lighting, music, or hair and makeup.

“One of the nice things about being in a smaller school is that if you want to be involved in the show, we will do our best to find a place where you can shine,” Music Director David Boswell said.

He and Stage Director Amy Goldsmith chose the production because they thought the show would have “great audience appeal.

“We knew the students would love having a chance to portray some of the outlandish characters,” Boswell said.

As in the original 1964 novel and the two film adaptations, the theater version revolves around the contest which brings five fortunate children, who happen to find golden tickets under the wrapping of their favorite Wonka candy bars, to the factory for a special tour.

While these children don’t know it, more is at stake than a tour of the mysterious candy factory and the promise of a lifetime supply of Wonka’s tasty chocolate.

As Willy looks for an heir to his empire of sweets, only one of the children, the penniless lad from a loving family, Charlie Bucket, is truly deserving. The others are spoiled by overly indulgent parents, too much television, and bad habits, and during the course of the show they receive their just desserts. While things get a little dicey even for gentle little Charlie, all turns out fine in the end.

Playing Charlie is sophomore Aaron Kempa, who said the whole experience has been very exciting for him.

“There are some quick scene changes and other challenges, but it has come together in the end,” Aaron said.

Junior Morgan Francis nicely nails the role of the enigmatic candy king Willy Wonka. Adorned in his lavender suit and bright purple top hat, he is sometimes humorous and at other times slightly menacing - even sinister in his sarcasm.

Junior Tori Hood, as Mike Teevee, sports bright yellow shorts and a Hornet T-shirt showing off her personality and vibrant voice. And, sophomore Halley Harmon as Veruca Salts is dressed in a red dress and wide-brimmed hat while sporting her equally bratty attitude and strong voice.

“This role put me way out of my comfort zone,” Halley said. “It’s not really me, but it’s a lot of fun.”

Page 2 of 2 - Giving her role everything she has, in addition to plenty of extra rolls, is senior Casey Lemerand as Augustus Gloop. Casey said she liked that her face is covered with chocolate and eating candy is a definite bonus.

“I’ve had fun with this role and I like the energy from the cast,” Casey said.

Also adding color to the show is junior Sena Finegan as Violet Beauregarde, bursting into her scenes with spunk and animation.

In polka dots and green hair, the Oompa Loompas are on hand to point out the error of their ways and dispense cautionary words of wisdom as well as provide a magical factory.

And, on the Davis stage, there’s plenty of room for that magic to bloom.

“We have been fortunate to have a fantastic set crew,” Boswell said.

The construction was led by Rob Glass and Keith Dunne, and several students also helped.

“The painting was quite extensive, with as many as 15 students and adults painting for about four or five weekends,” he said. “Senior Jon Hurd was head artist.”

At face value, the show is very entertaining. However, there is a larger message worth pondering, Boswell said. He invites the public to come discover the message and enjoy the magic during this year’s Artrageous! Festival.

Artrageous! is sponsored by County National Bank, The Sumnar Scholl Agency, and Orthodontist Dr. Colin Mayers.